Dynamic promotional layout management and distribution rules

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and computer readable products are provided for enabling dynamic loading of one or more digital image branding functions associated with one or more distribution rules. A distribution rule is used to target a group of end users that are selected from a dataset mapping a plurality of end-users according to one or more distribution rules. Instructions are forwarded to present an indication the digital image branding function to each member of the end users group.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/327,670 filed on Jul. 10, 2014, which is a continuation of PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/IL2014/050032 having International filing date ofJan. 13, 2014, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e)of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/757,277 filed on Jan. 28,2013. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates topromotional content distribution and, more specifically, but notexclusively, to systems, methods and a computer program product fordynamic promotional layout and image processing functions managementand/or distribution.

The design and development of mobile device applications for use by endusers partaking in social media network conversations has experienced asignificant growth in the past decade. This was stimulated in part by anincrease in client-terminal computing power and by end-useraccessibility to large-scale non-volatile storage, which facilitated thenear real-time efficient long term storage of socially related digitalimages.

These contemporary advances may facilitate the technologicalunderpinning for taming user-driven experiences. For instance,template-based face detection and feature extraction techniques may bereadily realized on a client-terminal such as an entry level Smartphone.

A client terminal owned by an end user may be utilized for capturingdigital images of people or experiences at social, cultural, sporting orother events. Client terminals with integrated cameras or image sensorsare widely used by children and adults. This is in view of the fact thatinexpensive image sensors and image processing software became readilyavailable to mobile device manufactures.

Images and videos captured by integrated cameras may be stored locallyin the mobile device and/or persisted via an application programinterface (API) to remote repositories and/or transmitted via a networkto a remote server for further processing.

Socially related video data created and posted to websites by end userssuch as internet users and bloggers alone, per diem, surpasses theterabyte range and is projected to grow exponentially. To illustrate,according to a study conducted by Martin, (The Third Screen: Marketingto Your Customers in a World Gone Mobile, ISBN 10: 1857885643) in morethan seventy five countries, the number of mobile devices alreadysurpasses the country's population.

For that reason, resellers and merchandisers interested in expandingtheir market share and increasing their exposure to potential end usersquickly recognized the prospective marketing potential of social medianetworks and strategic brand management.

For instance, one such brand management strategy is generating analyticsbased on measurements and statistics of geo localized client terminalusage in a social media network, in order to target a particular enduser group. Strategies for profiting from embedding coupons, into imagesquickly emerged: such promotional content came in a variety of assortedforms including banners and sponsored links.

As used herein, the term near real time refers to a time interval of fewseconds or less. For instance, the time interval that passes in responseto a first triggering event and to the activation time of a subsequentsecond event.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a computerized method of distributing a digital image brandingfunction, the computerized method comprising:

receiving the digital image branding function associated with at leastone distribution rule;

matching, using a processor, a group of end users selected from adataset mapping a plurality of end users according to the at least onedistribution rule; and

forwarding instructions to present an indication of the image brandingfunction to each member of the group, the indication is presented on adisplay of a client terminal associated with the member; and

wherein the image branding function is set to process a digital imagedesignated at the client terminal to create a branded digital image.

Optionally, wherein the image branding function is an image layoutbranding function that is set to embed a graphical.

Optionally, wherein the distribution rule is a distribution ruletargeting at least one member of at least one member's group of at leastone social media network.

Optionally, wherein the image branding function is a content processingfunction that analyzes a content depicted in the digital image to createaccordingly the branded digital image.

Optionally, further comprising:

receiving, at a matching module, current data metrics from at least onesensor on the client terminal;

in response to the receiving, matching by a matching module, the currentdata metrics to a second distribution rule; and

forwarding the second distribution rule to each member of the group.

Optionally, wherein a plurality of image branding functions are cascadedthereby creating the image branding function.

Optionally, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of an imagesensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location determining device,light sensor, temperature sensor, blood rate monitor, heart ratemonitor, and moisture sensor.

Optionally, further comprising:

processing a digital image designated by the member at the clientterminal according to the image branding function to create a brandeddigital image; and

outputting the branded digital image.

Optionally, further comprising rewarding each the member of the group ofend users with at least one monetary reward in response to distributingthe branded digital image to at least one social media network by eachthe member of the group of end users.

Optionally, wherein a measure of the at least one monetary reward is afrequency at which at least one member of at least one social medianetwork members group responds to the distributing of the brandeddigital image.

Optionally, further comprising enabling end users to order at least onepaid personalized gift from at least one physical fulfillment servicethereby allowing printing of the branded digital image on the at leastone paid personalized gift.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a computerized system of distributing an image brandingfunction, comprising:

a database which documents a plurality of image branding functions eachof the plurality of image branding functions is associated with at leastone distribution rule;

a processor;

a matching module which matches, using the processor, to a first of theplurality of image branding functions a group of end users selected froma dataset mapping a plurality of end users according to a respective theat least one distribution rule;

a network interface which forwards instructions to present an indicationof the first of the plurality of image branding functions to each memberof the group, the indication is presented on a display of a clientterminal associated with the member; and

an image processing module which processes a digital image designated bythe member at the client terminal according to the image brandingfunction to create a branded image and outputs the branded image.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a client terminal used by an end user, the client terminalcomprising:

an image sensor for capturing at least one digital image;

a processor;

a memory including computer program code for one or more programs, thememory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor,cause a resident application executing on the client terminal to performat least the following:

initiate presentation of a graphical user interface (GUI) on the clientterminal;

receive at least one image branding function displayed on a firstpalette in a first area on the GUI;

capture using the image sensor, at least one digital image displayed ona second palette in a second area on the GUI;

identify at least one region of interest within the at least one digitalimage;

apply at least one image branding function to the at least one region ofinterest thereby transforming the at least one digital image to at leastone branded digital image; and

output the branded digital image.

Optionally, further comprising:

provide the end user, access to a dataset comprising at least one imageprocessing function in a third area displaying a third palette,

select by the end user, at least one of the at least one imageprocessing function; and

in a forth area displaying a button which when clicked by the end user,applying the at least one of the at least one image processing functionto at least one of the at least one digital image, thereby displaying ina fifth area, a group of at least one branded digital image to the enduser.

Optionally, wherein the receiving further comprising:

accessing a third party image sharing service which provides at leastone image filter; and

unifying the at least one image branding function with the at least oneimage filter.

Optionally, further comprising:

receive by the resident application, current data metrics from at leastone sensor attached to the client terminal; and

in response to the receiving, modify the image branding function.

Optionally, wherein in the outputting, the at least one branded digitalimage is in a Joint Photography Engineering Group (JPEG) image formatassociated with an exchangeable image file format ‘EXIF’ attachment,wherein ‘EXIF’ attachment comprises at least one of time and date,location, a campaign reference id, device type, an end user ID and enduser details.

Optionally, wherein to a first client terminal establishes near fieldcommunications (NFC) with a second client terminal thereby allowing afirst end user of the first client terminal to transmit at least oneresident application to a second end user of the second client terminal.

Optionally, wherein the image processing function is at least one of deblurring, color correction, auto focus, fill flash, cropping, de motionblurring, black and white, sepia, antique, overlay, pinch, zoom androtation.

Optionally, further comprising:

accessing a third party image sharing service which provides at leastone image filter;

forwarding by the resident application the at least one image brandingfunction to the third party image sharing service; and

in response to the forwarding, unifying by the third party image sharingservice the at least one image branding function with the at least oneimage filter.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a computer program product comprising a non transitory computerusable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied inthe medium for distributing an image branding function, the computerprogram product comprising:

first computer readable program code for enabling a processor toreceiving a digital image branding function associated with at least onedistribution rule;

second computer readable program code for enabling a processor tomatching, a group of end users selected from a dataset mapping aplurality of end users according to the at least one distribution rule;

third computer readable program code for enabling a processor toforwarding instructions to present an indication of the image brandingfunction to each member of the group, the indication is presented on adisplay of a client terminal associated with the member;

forth computer readable program code for enabling a processor toprocessing a digital image designated by the member at the clientterminal according to the digital image branding function to create abranded digital image; and

fifth computer readable program code for enabling a processor tooutputting the branded digital image.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a unified modeling language (UML) use case diagram of anexemplary image branding function distribution system, according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating elements of a systemof image branding function distribution, according to some embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of distributing a digital imagebranding function, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of distributing a digital imagebranding function and processing a digital image, according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary client terminal having graphicaluser interface (GUI) and a resident application, according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a resident application awareness process,according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a time lagged flowchart illustrating an exemplary sequence ofevents occurring during a creation of a branded digital image on aclient terminal, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates how end user information, such as a location, may beused in order to distribute a personalized branded image function,according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary near field communications(NFC) session between two NFC enabled client terminals, under someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a method for applying an image processingfunction to a digital image, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a method for monitoring branded digitalimage distribution, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary entity relationship diagram (ERD) of a campaignmanagement database managed by a system, according to some embodimentsof the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is an exemplary event distribution monitoring system, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an exemplary distribution rules databaseentry, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an exemplary branded skin creation by abrand manager, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates topromotional content distribution and, more specifically, but notexclusively, to systems, methods and a computer program product fordynamic promotional layout and image processing functions managementand/or distribution.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the systems, computerprogram products and methods enable dynamic loading, for instance, at aclient terminal, one or more digital image branding functions. An imagebranding function is a function that when applied to a digital imageprocesses the image by applying a transformation according to thefunction. For instance, applying a function that adds an icon or thatalters the digital image layout and/or the like. An image brandingfunction may be associated with one or more distribution rules. Adistribution rule is a rule used in determining how to target a group ofend-users, for instance, a rule that determines that only a group of endusers having certain characteristics and/or match a certain requirement,for example currently watching a specific content via their clientterminal, for example a soccer game, are associated with the imagebranding function. It should be noted that the one or more distributionrules may be altered in real-time, by an administrator such as a brandmanager, based on the state of various relevant conditions such as thelocation of end users as described in detail hereinbelow.

One or more indications of the digital image branding function(s) may bedisplayed by a client terminal, in a graphical palette, allowing theuser to select a digital image branding function for processing aselected or captured image in real time.

Digital image branding functions may be distributed according to one ormore distribution rules, end users having specific demographiccharacteristics, located in a certain area, optionally at a certaintime, using a certain application that is installed in their clientterminal and/or the like.

Processing a digital image designated by the member at the clientterminal according to the selected digital image branding functionresults in a branded digital image. The branded digital image may beprocessed by an image processing filter, such as a Gaussian smoothingfunction. The end user who created the branded digital image using thedigital image branding function is optionally presented with the optionto share the branded digital image with his friends in a social medianetwork and/or to post the branded digital image in a digital billboard.

Optionally, an image branding function is matched to a group of endusers from a database according to relation to an event, a sociallyconnected group of end users and/or the like. In such embodiments,instructions to present an indication of the image branding function aresent to client terminal of one or more members of the group.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a system that allows a brand manager to create, retrieve,aggregate, organize, analyze and/or distribute one or more imagebranding functions, for example as part of a campaign. The system allowsend users to interact with a brand and to be involved actively in acreation of an image that includes the brand.

Brand managers may leverage end user generated content for the purposeof brand and/or product promotion.

As used herein, the term user generated content refers to any type ofdata that is typically created on a client terminal. For instance,graphical data, including but not limited to digital images, photos,graphics, drawings, paintings, pictures, videos, images extracted fromvideos, information related to the photos and/or the videos and/or acombination thereof. For instance, audio and speech, including but notlimited to, voice(s), singing, background sounds, and/or playing musicalinstruments.

The system may allow a brand manager to grant monetary and/ornon-monetary reward to certain end users, for instance based on thedistribution of the branded digital images he created, for example bycounting the number of times other end users responded to and/or viewedpost(s) with the branded digital images.

The system may allow a brand manager to enable end users to purchasepaid personalized gifts, based on data metrics collected on the enduser's client terminal and subsequently allow the end user tocommercially engage with a physical fulfillment service.

We now present for the purpose of subject matter introduction and by wayof example only, and not limitation, the exemplary use case diagram ofFIG. 1.

In FIG. 1 the UML notation is utilized in order to present use casemodels and actors interacting with the use case models, according tosome embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the termactor refers to a role played by a human user or a component.

Referring now to FIG. 1 which is a use case diagram 80 of an exemplaryimage branding function distribution system, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

Campaign management and branding systems such as system 100, allow brandmanager 910 to segment end users 900 each having a client terminal (notshown) into targeted end user groups using one or more distributionrules. The system 100 may allow a brand manager to distributepersonalized content such as a branded application having a custom madevisual appearance (skin) and/or a digital image branding function, tothe targeted end user groups using the one or more distribution rules.

The system 100 may allow branding campaigns to be executed partlysimultaneously, or in overlapping periods according to parameters suchas campaign duration, configured in the system 100 by a brand managerduring a campaign creation 700 processes.

As used herein, the term client terminal refers to any network connecteddevice including, but not limited to, personal digital assistants(PDAs), tablets, electronic book readers, handheld computers, cellularphones, personal media devices (PMDs), smart phones, and/or the like.

The client terminal may be used to host and execute one or more residentapplications which initiate presentation of a graphical user interface(GUI) on the client terminal. The client terminal may also be used toaccept input entered by an end user, to display information such as abranded image, to apply image processing functions such as sharpening,and/or to participate in campaign competitions, as described below.

The system 100 may allow different actors such as the brand manager 910,to interact, in a campaign creation 700 process, with the system 100 andwith the end user 900 in order to distribute an image branding function704 to end user 900. The system 100 may also allow the end user 900 toautomate the process 702 of image branding, and/or share branded imagesto social networks 800 such as Facebook. The system 100 may be inaddition utilized in order to:

-   -   I. Change, remove or promote in real time branded skins to end        users either targeting end users participating in the campaign        or targeting end users at least one specific geographic        location.    -   II. Assign, increase or decrease the number of end users        receiving a specific branded skin.    -   III. Utilize the proactive transmission of notifications to a        selected group of end users. Manage promotions, competitions and        incentives for use by a targeted group of end users.    -   IV. Censure and moderate digital images forwarded to the system        by end user.    -   V. Shorten or extend the duration of one or more campaigns.    -   VI. Generate detailed end user analytics such as analytics based        on end user usage of branded images and/or analytics based on        data metrics relevant to quantifying campaign effectiveness.

The system 100 may be part of a photo marketing platform targetedpredominantly to address the business needs of the brand manager 910,for instance, in configuring the various components of a strategicmarketing program, in presenting aggregated analytics, and/or inestablishing the relationships between a merchandiser 920 and a reseller930.

Optionally, the system 100 may include an administrative console and/ora user interface such as a campaign management web interface (refer forinstance to numeral 912 of FIG. 2) that allows the brand manager 910 tomanage resources such as a merchant/reseller catalog, promotionalcontent, branded image functions and/or the like.

The system may allow a brand manager 910, who is the marketing executiveresponsible for creating a campaign, to configure additional parameterspertaining to the campaign such as an objective of reaching a minimumnumber of end users, scheduling campaign delivery, coming up with thecontent of the campaign and/or establishing costs associated withmaintaining the campaign.

The system 100 may also be used by a reseller 930 such as a marketingagency, or one acting as a channel partner, such as one that operatesseveral campaigns in tandem each targeted to address the requirement ofa different client.

The system 100 may also be used by the merchandiser 920, such as asupplier of goods personalized with the use of a branded image.

Once a campaign is created, the system 100 may allow the participationof various end user types. An end user 910 may be an anonymous end useror participant, such as a user who downloads a branded application to aclient terminal, a registered end user or participant, such as a userwho signs up to a service offered by the system 100 by creating anaccount. Optionally, the system 100 supports several revenue generatingmodels. The system 100 may enable the end user 910 to purchasepersonalized goods 706, which are be offered by the merchandiser 920 andmarketed by the reseller 930 through the distribution of promotionalcontent such as a coupon.

As used herein, the term promotional content refers to any category ofcontent which conveys information relating to a promotional, commercial,marketing, or monetary prospect of which one or more users mayfinancially benefit from. Consequently, promotional content may contain,for instance, commercial recommendations, offers, coupons, discounts,subsidized products, marketing materials, and/or the like.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents and/or methods set forth in the following description and/orillustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention iscapable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out invarious ways.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the formof an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment(including firmware, resident software, micro code, etc.) or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in one or more computer readablemedium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read only memory (CD ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computerreadable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not acomputer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, ortransport a program for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

Referring now to FIG. 2 which is an exemplary block diagram illustratingelements of a system 100 of image branding function distribution,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The system 100 includes: a processor 404, a memory 406, a matchingmodule 400, an image processing module 402, a network interface 500 anda campaign management database 600.

Under some embodiments of the present invention, the processor 404 islocated within or outside the system 100. Further, while certaincomponents are illustrated within the system 100, those with ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that the modules illustrated in FIG. 2may be arranged differently.

For instance, the system 100 and/or one or more of the system 100components, are located within a cloud computing environment (not shown)or are contained entirely within one of the other modules, such as thematching module 400 and/or the image processing module 402. In likemanner, while in FIG. 2 a single system 100 having a single processor404, and single memory 406 is illustrated and discussed, those withordinary skill in the art would appreciate that several such systems maybe utilized having different permutation and number of the modules.

The processor 404 and/or the memory 406 may be coupled, directly orindirectly, through a system bus (not shown) or any alternativecommunication structure to one or more modules such as the imageprocessing module 402, the campaign management database 600 and/orperipheral devices.

Optionally, the processor 404, the memory 406 and/or the campaignmanagement database 600 are directly or indirectly connected toadditional storage device, such as a hard disk array storage device 630which is external to the system. The matching module 400 and the imageprocessing module 402 may be communicably coupled to the campaignmanagement database 600 and communicably connected to a network via anetwork interface 500.

Under some embodiments of the present invention, the digital images, enduser profile data and/or campaign configuration data are stored in thecampaign management database 600. The source of the digital images maybe, photographs captured by end users 900 and end user 900A who areexternal to the system and are using client terminal 300 and clientterminal 300A respectively. The client terminal 300 may host one or moreresident applications 310 which are used to interact with end users asdescribed in detail hereinafter.

As used herein, the term network refers generally to any type oftelecommunications or data network including, without limitation, hybridfiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telecommunicationsnetworks, and data networks including local area networks (LANs),metropolitan area networks (MANs), local area networks (LANs) and/orwide area networks (WANs), the Internet, and intranets.

As used herein, the term module refers to any computerized component,network node or entity adapted to provide communications protocolsand/or applications and/or content and/or other services to one or moreclient terminals, other devices or entities on a network or a remotenetwork node.

The campaign management database 600, stores and documents the imagebranding functions 602. Each of the image branding functions 602 may beassociated with one or more distribution rules 604.

For instance, the distribution rule 604 may be a rule targeting a groupof end users who are in the connections list of an end user in a socialmedia network. The distribution rules 604 may be stored in the campaignmanagement database and may be altered in near real time by the brandmanager 910, who is external to the system 100, thereby reflecting achange in campaign distribution strategy.

A matching module 400, matches a group of end users selected from adataset mapping a plurality of end users to an image branding functionaccording to a respective distribution rule 604.

The network interface 500 forwards instructions sent by the system 100to present an indication of a digital image branding function 602, forinstance, on a graphical palette on the display of an end user clientterminal. A digital image branding function 602 may be subsequentlyapplied to one or more digital images captured by the end user andshared through social media networks. The image branding function 602may also be stored in the campaign management database and may bealtered in near real time by the brand manager 910.

The image processing module 402 processes a digital image selected by anend user according to an image branding function, or according to animage processing function in order to create a branded image andconsequently output the branded digital image for post processing. Forinstance, the user opts to apply an image post processing function suchas an image sharpening function as described in detail hereinbelow. Inlike manner, the image processing module 402 automatically applies abranding function that adds an icon or that alters the digital imagelayout and/or the like.

It should be noted that system 100 and/or any of its components may beintegrated with third party vendors and services such as servicesoffered by Facebook, Twitter, flikr, Pinterest, FourSquare, Instagram,email, any combination thereof and/or the like.

For instance, system 100 is integrated with Facebook such that imagesposted by users are branded according to distribution rules set bysystem 100.

Or for instance, system 100 is integrated with an image filteringservice offered by Instagram such that the Instagram service allows anend user to select a branding function offered by system 100. The enduser selects the branding function in the same manner that the end userselects a filter provided by the Instagram image filtering service.Subsequently, the Instagram image filtering service applies the brandingfunctions to one or more digital images captured by the end user. Aresident application 310 and/or a third party resident application, maybe utilized to allow end users select instagram filters and/or brandingfunctions provided by system 100. In addition, the resident application310 and/or a third party resident application, may also utilizeinformation received from sensors attached to the client terminal usedby the end user, in order to dynamically change the branding functionsand/or filters.

Referring now to FIG. 3 which illustrates a method 102 of distributing adigital image branding function to a group of end users, according tosome embodiments of the present invention. The method may be implementedusing system 100 that was described in detail hereinabove.

First, the method begins at 480, followed at 482 by receiving, forinstance, from system 100, a digital image branding function associatedwith one or more distribution rules. The digital image branding functionmay be displayed on a client terminal of one or more end users that aretargeted using the distribution rule. For instance, a distribution rulecreated for running a campaign that is targeted at recruitingengineering students who were awarded a degree with Distinction, fromtop British universities.

Next at 484, a group of end users from a dataset mapping a plurality ofend users is identified as matching for the image branding function, forexample according to one or more distribution rules which are associatedwith the image branding function. The matching may be based on,selecting a group of users from a database, from a membership list of asocial media network and/or the like.

At 486, instructions to present an indication of the image brandingfunction are forwarded to each member of the matched group. For example,an indication of the image branding function is added to a graphicalpalette that is presented on the client terminal of each member of theend users group may be utilized to display the image branding functionwhich may subsequently be selected by each member of the end usersgroup.

Lastly at 488, the method terminates.

Optionally, and with reference to FIG. 4, the digital image is processedand outputted as described hereinafter. FIG. 4 illustrates a method 104of distributing a digital image branding function to a group of endusers, and processing a digital image according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

Like the method described in FIG. 3, the method described herein mayalso be implemented using system 100. Back to FIG. 4, the first fourblocks (e.g. 480-486) are identical to the blocks having the samenumerals in FIG. 3.

Now at 490, processing a digital image designated by the member at theclient terminal according to the digital image branding functionselected, resulting in a branded digital image.

Lastly at 492, the method terminates after outputting the brandeddigital image.

The branded digital image may be further processed by image processingfunctions and/or shared and distributed as exemplified hereinbelow withreference to FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 5, which is a diagram 106 of an exemplary clientterminal having graphical user interface (GUI) and a residentapplication, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The client terminal 300 may include a processor 302 and a main memory304, which is communicably coupled to the processor 302. The main memory304 may store data and executable code, and in addition stores dataassociated, with resident applications 310 running on the clientterminal 300.

The client terminal 300 also includes an image sensor 306 for capturingone or more digital images.

The client terminal may output a branded digital image in various imageformats and stores, in addition to the branded digital image, additionalmetadata associated with the branded digital image. For instance, whenthe digital image output format is a Joint Photographic Experts Group(JPEG) image format, then the digital image is associated with anexchangeable image file format ‘EXIF’ attachment. The ‘EXIF’ attachmentmay comprise metadata such as time and date, location, a campaignreference id that was assigned by a brand manager, device type, an enduser ID and/or any additional end user details.

Under some embodiments of the present invention, sensors, such as theimage sensor 306 are employed in detecting and/or measuring movementsand collecting data metrics. For instance, when a sensor detects thatthe end user is moving up or down an elevator with his children, thesystem 100 activates a distribution rule that forwards an image brandingfunction that is related to a paid amusement park roller coaster as partof a photo marketing campaign targeting families in a summer holiday. Orfor instance, when a sensor such as an anemometer detects the end useris subject to heavy wind, system 100 activates a distribution rule thatforwards an image branding function that is related to coats targetedespecially to protect end users against wind.

Data from the sensors may be utilized either in combination, orindividually, in whole or in part, to detect and/or measure movements.Consequently, measurements may be determined from joining data obtainedfrom one or more sensors. For instance, data metrics collected from atemperature sensor indicates that the end-user is located in a hotenvironment. Subsequently, system 100 of FIG. 2 forwards to the end useran image branding function which is associated with a distribution rulethat defines as target audience users in a hot environment, for instancean image branding function that adds a label depicting a cold refreshingdrink offered by a reseller.

As used herein, the term sensor refers to, but not limited to: an imagesensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location determining devicesuch as a global positioning device (GPS), light sensor, temperaturesensor, heart rate monitor, image capturing sensor, moisture sensor, acombination thereof and/or the like.

Under some embodiments of the present invention, the processor 302provides processing ability in conjunction with the main memory 304 andoptionally the permanent storage 306, to host and run one or moreresident applications 310. Suitable for long term storage, the permanentstorage 306 may store data files such as images, end user preferenceinformation and/or the like.

Optionally, the resident application 310, runs on the client terminal300 and is operable, but is not limited to, capturing, managing,branding and displaying images, gathering input from client terminalsensors, communicating with additional client terminals 300, and/or thelike.

Optionally, the resident application 310, initiates presentation of theGUI on the client terminal. The resident application is logicimplemented in any combination of hardware and software, is stored inmemory and executed by a processor and/or used to accept input enteredby an end user and display information such as a branded image.

Optionally, the resident application 310 executes on the client terminalwhen selected by an end user or executed when triggered by an event,such as an update to the resident application 310.

Optionally, the resident application 310 is used to receive content andother information related to the location of the client terminal and toprovide this content to other modules or to the system 100.

Optionally, the GUI and/or one or more of the components comprising theGUI may be dynamically configured and changed in real time according toone or more parameters. For instance, the resident application 310detects, using a sensor on the client terminal, that the height at whichthe client terminal is held matches the height of a child end user, andin response, the resident application 310 dynamically alters the GUI sothat GUI components such as buttons are larger to ease the operation ofthe GUI by the child end user.

Optionally, the end user is provided access to a dataset comprisingimage processing functions, in an area on the GUI displaying a palettewith selectable image processing functions. Subsequently, the user mayselect one or more of the image processing functions from the paletteand by clicking a button 312, applying one or more of the imageprocessing functions to one or more digital images. Subsequently, theuser may be view the processed images.

Optionally, the resident application provides additional functionalitythat includes, but is not limited to:

-   -   I. Sharing digital images directly from the resident application        to social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, flikr,        Pinterest, FourSquare, email, any combination thereof and/or the        like. The sharing of digital images may be accomplished by        concurrently distributing the digital images to multiple        channels by using a service such as Pixelpipe.    -   II. Utilizing a predetermined fixed footer that is displayed        with the shared digital image. The footer may be composed of,        for instance, plain text and/or a hyperlink.    -   III. Allowing a user to comment on one or more digital images.        For instance, the user uses the resident application to        communicate with a social media network and provide a comment on        an image that was uploaded to the social media network by        another end-user.    -   IV. Allowing a user to vote (commonly known as “Like”), for        instance in favor of a shared digital image in a social media        network.    -   V. Allowing a user to create a branded album having a personal        context, for instance, an album in which all the digital images        are automatically branded with a picture of a university an end        user is attending.

Referring now to FIG. 6 which is an illustration of resident applicationawareness process 108, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

An end user 900 may become aware of the existence of a residentapplication by one or more of the following alternative methods: (i) anon-site promotion method in which during a promotional event at aphysical location wherein the end-user 900 employees near fieldcommunications (NFC) attached to his client-terminal in order to receivea resident application transmitted to him from another NFC enableddevice. (ii) An on-line promotion method taking place prior to apromotional event at a physical location. (iii) An on-line promotion aspart of an on-line event wherein end-users participate in an on-line(e.g. not physical) promotional event. (iv) A notification based methodwherein a proactive push notification including a resident applicationis transmitted to the client-terminal used by the end-user. It should benoted that the determination whether to send a notification may be basedon the end-user 900 location, time and/or preferences, (vi) Scanning aquick response code 802A.

We now describe a resident application awareness process using method(vi).

First, the end-user scanners a quick response code 802A, which isassociated with a branded resident application.

Next, in response to scanning the quick response code 802A, the end user900 is presented with a GUI 320 that guides the end by interacting withthe end user through a process of downloading one or more residentapplications such as the one depicted by numeral 310 of FIG. 5.

Finally, the end-user 900 may use the downloaded resident application inorder to capture pictures and brand digital images.

Referring now to FIG. 7 which is a time lagged flowchart 110illustrating an exemplary sequence of events occurring during a creationof a branded digital image on a client terminal, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

First, the method begins at T00 when end user 900 awareness of aresident application with a branded skin 802B comes to life byintroducing the end user 900 with a quick response code 802A thatpertains to the resident application.

Next at T01, the end user 900 downloads the resident application.

Next, the end user uses his client terminal 300 and integrated imagesensor 802C, at T02 and T03 respectively to capture one or more digitalimages 802D at T04.

Next at T05 a branding function 802E that is associated with one or moredistribution rules is automatically selected. For instance, based on thelocation of the party 900.

Subsequently at T07 automatic branding of the digital images isconducted thereby resulting in having one or more branded images 802F.

Lastly, at T08, the user may opt for sharing one or more of the brandeddigital images through one or more social networks 802G. The sharedbranded digital images may be subsequently monitored by the system 100using a method described in detail hereinbelow in FIG. 11.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 8. FIG. 8 is an illustration 112 of how enduser information such as a location, is used in order to distribute apersonalized branded image function, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

The system 100 may utilize geo-localized information in order to managea campaign that targets end users based on their location. In someembodiments of the present invention, the client terminal 300 includes alocation determining sensor (not shown). The location determining sensormay be a GPS utilized in calculating end user location. For instance,the location detecting sensor approximates the geographic location ofend users by triangulation as known in the art.

Optionally, the system 100 utilizes geographic segmentation methods toengage end-users in a personalized photo marketing campaign. Forinstance, system 100 determines that a first end user 900C is located atHighland 1200 in Scotland and that a second end user 900 d is located atAberdeenshire 1202 also in Scotland.

The system 100 may further determine using information queried andextracted from the campaign management database 600, that the first enduser 900C and second end user 900D are a U.S based married couple, bothof which are working in the distillery business. Using the informationgathered so far, system 100 may distribute an image branding function ofa Hotel in Scotland offering free guided tours in the Scottishdistilleries.

In some embodiments of the present invention there are provided severalrevenue models (not shown). For instance, in the hereinabove presentedexample, and referring again also to FIG. 1, the reseller 930 and themerchandiser 920 are the hotel owner and the distillery ownersrespectively cooperating together in a photo marketing and brandingcampaign to achieve a certain goal which was set up by the brand manager910. Or for instance, a brand manager 910 and/or a reseller 930 ispurchasing a campaign at one or more physical locations, wherein thecampaign spans a predetermined period of time such as of two weeks andhaving a start and end times.

In like manner, the system 100 may facilitate identifying categories ofpromotional content based on related commercial features found in adigital image captured by the end user 900C.

Referring now to FIG. 9 which is an illustration of an exemplary nearfield communications (NFC) session 114 between two NFC enabled clientterminals, under some embodiments of the present invention.

Certain client terminals integrate NFC chips. NFC technology isgenerally used for short range communications between a plurality of endusers and is grounded on radio frequency identification (RFID)technologies. The short range nature of this type wirelesscommunications allows exchanging information between client terminalsonly over short distances, such as the distance depicted in FIG. 9.

The client terminal located at 1204 of a first end user establishes NFCwith a second client terminal located at 1206 thereby allowing the firstend user to transmit for instance, a resident application such as animage branding application 1208 to the second end user.

Referring now to FIG. 10 which is an illustration of a method 116 forapplying an image processing function to a digital image, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

An end user 900, by applying an image processing function selected, forinstance from GUI component such as a graphical palette, may adjust adigital image after it was captured and branded, for instance, toimprove the digital image sharpness, lighting, contrast and/or improvefocus of one or more subjects. As known in the art, a digital image 1210may be sharpened by applying an image processing function S(x,y) 1214.

The image processing function S(x,y) 1214 may transform the digitalimage spatial representation into an adapted frequency domainrepresentation. The adapted frequency domain representation may besubsequently re transformed into the spatial domain while providing asharpened version 1212 of the original digital image.

It should be noted that the image sharpening effect or any other effectrepresented by the image processing function S(x,y) 1214, may be appliedto the entire image or selectively applied to specific segments withinthe digital image 1210.

Under some embodiments of the present invention, the image processingfunction S(x,y) 1214 is one or more of de blurring, color correction,auto focus, fill flash, cropping, de motion blurring, black and white,sepia, antique, overlay, pinch, zoom, Gaussian smoothing, rotationand/or the like.

Optionally, the image processing function S(x,y) 1214 is a cascade oftwo or more image processing functions, as shown a de-blur function(sharpening) and a de-motion trail function, the later being useful incases the end user was in motion while capturing the digital picture.

Optionally, the system 100 allows adjusting values of one or moreparameters of the image processing function S(x,y) 1214 automatically,semi automatically or manually performed by the end user 900. Forinstance, if the image processing function S(x,y) 1214 is a Gaussiansmoothing function then the end user alters the Kernel of 2 D Gaussianwhich affects the results of digital image smoothing.

Referring now to FIG. 11 which is an illustration of a method 118 formonitoring branded digital image distribution, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

As used herein, the term distribution tracking event refers to trackingevent of distributing and sharing a digital image by an end user.

As noted hereinabove, the end user may share branded digital imagesacross a wide array of social media networks. Tracking the distributionof these branded digital images may be useful in generating analytics onend user behavior, which are used to improve photo marketing campaigns.

Back to FIG. 11, first, the method begins at 440, followed at 442, bymonitoring at least one distribution tracking event.

Next at 444, receiving at least one distribution tracking event. Forinstance, by triggering an event following a social media post of adigital image to a FaceBook group.

Next at 446, storing at least one distribution tracking event. Storing ahistory of tracking events may be found constructive in generating truestatistics on end users and market trends based on a large sample oftracking events.

Next at 448, generating statistics from at least one distributiontracking event. The statistics may be presented to a brand manager whichmay use a campaign management web interface (refer for instance tonumeral 912 of FIG. 2) having a GUI to view and analyze the results.

Lastly at 450, the method terminates.

A system that supports the implementation of the method depicted in FIG.11, may be implemented under some embodiment of the present inventionusing the monitoring system of FIG. 13 which comprises: a monitoringmodule 1300 which receives, and processes using a processor 1302 andmemory 1304, distribution tracking events which are stored on thedatabase 1306.

The database 1306 may also utilize a large scale storage device, such asa hard disk array storage device 630 which is external to the system andused to store high volumes of data needed for monitoring a high numberof distribution tracking events.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 12. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary entityrelationship diagram (ERD) 104 of a campaign management database 600managed by the system 100, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

As used herein, the term ERD refers to graphs depicting the linksbetween tables in a relational database.

The campaign management database 600, which may be a database system, isused for storing and retrieving entries employed by the system 100. Itshould be noted, that in some embodiments of the present invention,several databases are used rather than a single database.

We now present by way of example only, and not limitation, the exemplaryERD of FIG. 12.

Table 610 stores information pertaining to end users partaking in acampaign, table 612 stores branded images, table 614 stores brandingfunctions, table 616 stores information pertaining to brand managersmanaging a campaign, table 618 stores information about goods offered toend users, table 620 stores information pertaining to resellers, table622 stores information about campaigns and table 624 stores informationabout distribution rules. In some embodiments of the present invention,the tables, their attributes and the relationships between the tablesare as follows:

Table 610 describes and stores information about end users andcomprising of the following attributes: a USER_ID used as a uniqueprimary key to differentiate between table rows, a NAME used as the nameof the end user, a DEVICE TYPE indicating the type of the clientterminal the end user is using, a DATE indicating when the user startedparticipating in a campaign and a LOCATION indicating the geo localizedlocation of the end user.

Table 612 describes and stores branded digital images and comprising ofthe following attributes: an ID used as a unique primary key todifferentiate between table rows, a BINDATA used as a binary containerfor the actual branded image, a TYPE indicating the type of the brandedimage, a DATE indicating when was the entry created and a SIZEindicating the size, in mega-bytes, of the branded image.

Table 614 describes and stores branding functions and comprising of thefollowing attributes: an ID used as a unique primary key todifferentiate between table rows, a FUNCTION which is the actualbranding function definition, a TYPE indicating the type of the brandingfunction, a DATE indicating when was the branding function created andUSER_ID indicating to which users was the branding function distributedto.

Tables 616-624 are designed and constructed in a similar fashion withsimilar attributes. It should be noted that not all relationshipsbetween the tables are depicted and that under some embodiments of thepresent invention other relationship permutations are possible.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15 which is an illustration of anexemplary creation of a branded skin by a brand manager, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

The concept of skin branding is as follows. The brand manager 910, usingthe campaign management web interface 912, may brand a skeleton residentapplication skin 912A. Subsequently, the end user 900 may install theresident application using the awareness process illustrated in FIG. 6.

First, the brand manager 910 using the campaign management web interface912, has access to at least one skeleton resident application skin 912A.

Next, the brand manager 910 selects a resident application skin 912Bwhich is overplayed on the skeleton resident application skin 912Aresulting in a branded resident application skin 912C.

As shown the resident application skin 912B is an exemplary inflatableballoon skin associated with a merchandiser 920 of balloons.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with theabove descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the invention in anon-limiting fashion.

Example 1

The present example describes an exemplary use-case outlining aphoto-marketing campaign. The example is described with reference toFIGS. 1-3, FIG. 7 and FIGS. 13-14.

The example illustrates multiple physical locations and on-line elementsin a campaign spanning a period of over two weeks.

1. Campaign Background:

SM Marketing (SMM) is a successful marketing agency specializing ininteractive, digital brand promotion. SMM has a number of food andbeverage companies on its books including Dream Drinks (DD) thatrecently launched goods 618 such as EZ Vodka—a new lighter Vodka.

DD asked SSM for suggestions on how to generate traffic and attract endusers 900 so that they visit the new EZ Vodka web page on social medianetwork 800 such as Facebook. In addition, DD wanted to promote theirbrand across a number of specific geographic regions which previousmarket research has identified as offering high potential marketpenetration for EZ Vodka. The geographic regions may be regions such asthe one depicted by numerals 1200 and 1202 of FIG. 8, and in thisparticular campaign include three US states—California, Florida and NewJersey, the United Kingdom and Spain.

SSM proposed a campaign 700 with an interactive end-user competitioncombined with free samples of EZ Vodka to be offered at selectednightclubs. The distribution rules 624 were stored in the campaignmanagement database 600 by allowing a brand manager 910 to configure andstore the actual distribution rules 636. For instance, a distributionrules reading “users who love vodka”. The later distribution rule may benarrowed down by intersecting the rule with a rule reading “allresidents of Spain” hence targeting only vodka lovers in Spain.

DD defined the following success criteria for the campaign: 25,000“likes” on the new EZ Vodka Facebook page, 30,000 branded digital images802F posted to various social media networks 800, 10,000 peoplesubmitting digital images to the competition 708 and 50,000 peoplevoting for the winner. The success criteria may be attested using themonitoring system 13 which monitors events such as end users clicking a“like” button, calculates the number of branded images submitted, andaggregates voting results pertaining to the competition.

DD provided 400 free EZ Vodka shots (samples) at 10 preselectednightclubs in each of the three US states, the UK and Spain. A total of80,000 free shots (representing about 3000 bottles of vodka) wereprovided on Friday and Saturday nights on two consecutive weekends.

The campaign 700 ran from the first Friday night over a period spanning14 days while being monitored by the monitoring system 122. With anaverage attendance of 300 people at each venue, the campaign's totalpotential physical reach was 60,000 people. With a target of 30,000branded images 612 posted to various social media networks, expectedbrand exposure was in excess of 1.5 million. An engagement rate of 3.4%or higher was required to generate the 50,000 target for competitionparticipants.

The campaign included a competition 708—the winner of which receives aprize 708A in the form of monetary goods 706: two tickets, travel andhotel accommodation to Oslo's largest food and drink fair, taking placethree months' time after the competition. DD provided both the freesamples and the prize 708A; SSM was responsible conceptualizing andmanaging the campaign 710 including providing on-site attendants andsignage at each nightclub. There was no further budget for any print oradditional on-line promotion.

Except for providing the samples at a cost of $25,000, DD paid SSM amanagement fee of $80,000 and a further $8,000 to cover the cost of theprize 708A. The resulting total cost for the four active days at 50different locations spread over three countries was $113,000—anall-inclusive average cost of $2,500 per venue per day.

2. Campaign Configuration

SSM, working on behalf of EZ Vodka, logged into system 100 using thecampaign management website (refer for instance to numeral 912 of FIG.2) and completed the following three steps each using an on-line wizardavailable on the campaign management web interface 912:

Step 1: Image and application branding. Exact locations of eachnightclub were defined, as were the EZ Vodka image skins 802B and the EZVodka application branding 802E. The graphic artist preparing the imageskins and application branding worked for 11 and completed the workwithin a week of DD approving the campaign (exact technicalspecifications were available on-line at the campaign managementwebsite). With the image skins and application branding material alreadyprepared, the image configuration was completed within just a fewminutes.

Step 2: Competition settings. The following required configuration forthe competition:

-   -   On-line gallery branding    -   On-line gallery review permissions    -   On-line gallery access permissions    -   Voting procedure    -   Participant's tagging    -   Participant's caption editing    -   Winner announcement

Step 3: Social media settings

-   -   “Like” page configuration    -   Fixed footer configuration (text and hyperlink defined by EZ        Vodka) that will always appear with the image wherever it is        posted.    -   Participant's caption settings    -   Relevant social media networks defined    -   Facebook Album name    -   E-mail subject and e-mail body message

3. Campaign Management 710.

During the campaign both SSM and EZ Vodka managers 910 were able toaccess campaign data and make modifications to the campaign as required.One particular skin 802B proved to be extremely popular and so waspromoted more aggressively. Had additional skins be needed or locationscan be changed all this could have been done in real-time on-line.Images uploaded to the gallery were monitored, for instance bymonitoring system 122 and if necessary, inappropriate or offensiveimages were removed.

4. Participant Experience.

To receive a free sample of EZ Vodka, nightclub patrons had to download802A, 802 b the EZ Vodka branded resident application 310 for either theiPhone or Android platforms by scanning a Quick Response (QR) 802A codedisplayed prominently beside the free sample kiosk. Posters withinstructions and details of the competition were displayed at theentrance to the nightclub, besides being displayed at the free samplekiosk and the entrance to the rest rooms.

Certain nightclubs did not permit at-the-door entry and only patrons whoregistered online were granted access. For these locations, patrons wereencouraged to download the app 802A at the time of registration withdetails of the competition displayed as part of an on-line registrationprocess. Whether or not the branded resident application 310 isdownloaded ahead of time or on-site, patrons received a fully branded EZVodka app with no need to register as campaign users.

Once inside the nightclub club, patrons clicked away all nightautomatically receiving EZ Vodka branded images that could be shared onall the pre-selected social networks. In addition, patrons had theoption of uploading one or more images to the EZ Vodka competitionopening up the possibility of winning a trip for two to Oslo. Sharedimages were posted with a brief textual footer inviting social mediafriends to vote in the competition 708, the winner of which gets anall-expenses paid trip to Oslo. The footer also included a link to theEZ Vodka Facebook page. Voting was simple; the on-line gallery was opento everyone—both nightclub patrons and anyone who received a brandedimage through one of the preselected social media networks. Anyonewishing to vote viewed the gallery and simply double-clicked on theselected image vote. Only one vote was possible within a single browsersession.

Stated differently, in order to vote multiple times, the end user had toclose the browser and reload the page. No registration was required inorder for the end user to vote. Voters were able to add comments to oneor more pictures on the gallery by simply completing twofields—providing a name or alias and the comment itself. Just as SSMmonitored posted images for suitability, comments were also monitoredand removed if necessary.

All users that posted one or more images to the competition and sharedthat image through a social media network 800 received pushnotifications to their mobile devices 310 reminding them to get theirfriends to vote for them. Notifications were sent out 72, 48 and 24hours prior to the end of the competition. Users were given acampaign-specific opt-out option should they wish not to receive anyfurther notifications.

5. Campaign analytics.

After the physical campaign was over the on-line competition remainedopen for five days. During the campaign and afterwards, SSM and DDmanagers were able to access campaign analytics by logging in to thecampaign website.

Available data included the following:

-   -   User data: total number, daily breakdown and location breakdown.    -   Image data: number of branded images created—total, per location        and per day, of number branded images uploaded to the        competition, number of branded images uploaded to each social        media network.    -   Competition data: number of images in the competition (including        historical growth), total number of votes and vote breakdown.    -   Social Media: links/login pop-ups to the admin pages for each of        the preselected social media networks for network-specific        analytics.

The methods as described above are used in the fabrication of integratedcircuit chips.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from thisapplication many relevant dynamic promotional layout and imageprocessing functions management and/or distribution system will bedeveloped and the scope of the term dynamic promotional layout and imageprocessing functions management and/or distribution system is intendedto include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This termencompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition ormethod may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if theadditional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basicand novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from otherembodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in someembodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particularembodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional”features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method of distributing a digitalimage processing function, said computerized method comprising:receiving, by at least one server, at least one digital image processingfunction associated with at least one distribution rule, saiddistribution rule including location information; identifying, by saidserver, a plurality of locations of a plurality of end users, each oneof said plurality of locations is identified using one of a plurality ofGPS modules installed in a plurality of mobile devices; matching, usingsaid at least one server, said plurality of locations with said locationinformation of said plurality of mobile devices; and forwarding said atleast one digital image processing function to said mobile devices withsaid matched locations, wherein said at least one image processingfunction is set to be used by an application executed on each of saidmobile devices to process a digital image designated at the respectivemobile device to create a branded digital image.
 2. A method accordingto claim 1, wherein said digital image processing function comprises atleast one of: an icon adding function and an overlay function.
 3. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein forwarding an image processingfunction comprises a current image processing function stored in saidmobile device.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said mobiledevices further include at least one of a black and white function, asepia function and an antique function set to be used by saidapplication.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein receiving adigital image processing function associated with at least onedistribution rule comprises receiving a plurality of image processingfunctions, each with its associated distribution rule.
 6. A methodaccording to claim 5, wherein forwarding said digital image processingfunction to said mobile devices with said matched locations comprisesforwarding a plurality of image processing functions, the distributionrules of which match location information of said mobile devices.
 7. Amethod according to claim 6, wherein said application displays saidplurality of image processing functions in a graphical user interface.8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said application furtherincludes program code to publish the branded image in one or more socialnetworks.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said applicationfurther includes program code to store said branded image on said mobiledevice.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said image processingfunction comprises embedding an icon in said digital image for creatingsaid branded image, said icon is recognizable by one or more of said endusers as associated with at least one of a commercial product, asporting event, a cultural event, a philanthropic event and a politicalevent.
 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein receiving at least onedigital image processing function associated with at least onedistribution rule comprises altering, in real time, a distribution rule.12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one imageprocessing function is set to be used in real time by an applicationexecuted on each of said mobile devices.
 13. A system for promotionalcontent distribution, the system comprising: a computer devicecomprising a graphical user interface for input of at least one imageprocessing function and a distribution rule, the distribution rulecomprising location information; a server receiving said imageprocessing function and associated distribution rule from the computerdevice and including a memory for storing image processing function andassociated distribution rule; and a mobile device used by an end user,the mobile device comprising: an image sensor for capturing at least onedigital image; a Global Positioning Sensor (GPS) module; a processor; amemory including program code for one or more programs, the memory andthe program code configured to perform the following: outputtinginformation from said GPS module to said server; receiving and storingsaid image processing function from the server based on information fromsaid GPS module; capturing, using the image sensor, at least one digitalimage; displaying a plurality of digital image processing functions,including said received image processing function, on a display of saidmobile device for selection by a user; applying the selected imageprocessing function to said digital image to create a branded digitalimage; and output the branded digital image.
 14. A system according toclaim 13, wherein receiving and storing comprises replacing a currentimage processing function.
 15. A system according to claim 13, whereinsaid received and stored image processing functions comprise at leastone of: an icon adding function and an overlay function.
 16. A systemaccording to claim 13, wherein said plurality of digital imageprocessing functions further comprises at least one of a black and whitefunction, a sepia function and an antique function.
 17. A systemaccording to claim 13, wherein said memory of said server stores aplurality of image processing functions and associated distributionrules.
 18. A system according to claim 17, wherein said server furtherincludes a processor for receiving location information from GPSs of aplurality of said mobile devices and forwarding to each of said mobiledevices an image processing function based on a match of the receivedlocation information and distribution rule.
 19. A system according toclaim 13, wherein said distribution rule is limited by time.
 20. Asystem according to claim 13, wherein said distribution rule furtherdefines a profile of an end user and wherein said receiving and storingsaid image processing function from the server is further based on amatch of the respective end user with said profile.
 21. A systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the distribution rule limits the numberof mobile devices to which its associated image processing function isforwarded.
 22. A system according to claim 13, wherein said displaying aplurality of digital image processing functions comprises displaying ina graphical user interface.
 23. A system according to claim 13, whereinoutput the branded image comprises output to a social network.
 24. Asystem according to claim 13, wherein said image processing functioncomprises embedding an icon in said digital image for creating saidprocessed digital image, said icon is recognizable by one or more ofsaid end users as associated with at least one of a commercial product,a sporting event, a cultural event, a philanthropic event and apolitical event.
 25. A system according to claim 13, wherein the memoryfurther includes program code for storing the branded image on saidmobile device.
 26. A system according to claim 13, wherein saidcapturing at least one digital image is before said displaying aplurality of digital image processing functions.
 27. A system accordingto claim 13, wherein said displaying a plurality of digital imageprocessing functions is before said capturing at least one digitalimage.
 28. A system according to claim 13, wherein receiving and storingsaid image processing function from the server based on information fromsaid GPS module comprises receiving and storing in real time.